A photo posted by Hastings United Football Club (@hastingsutd) on Jan 9, 2017 at 10:33am PST

On Saturday the arrows lost 2-1 at home to Cray Wanderers.

A stretched squad due to suspensions and injuries saw the debut of development squad player Johnny Akoto and new signing Jordy Robins as United tried to get their first win of the new year and crank the pressure up on their play-off rivals.

The visitors deservedly took the lead after only nine minutes, when an Ollie Rowe slip allowed Danny Haynes to have a shot, the first of which was saved by the former Ipswich, Charlton and Millwall forward make no mistake the second time round, slotting past Pidgeley.

Just as it had been in the previous two games for the U’s, it looked as if Cray were more likely to score again, but United did have a good chance when Robins’ through ball found Hughes-Mason, but he could only shoot straight at Nick Blue.

Wanderers doubled their lead with a cross from the right was tapped in for Danny Haynes to grab his second.

United halves the deficit just before the break though, a swift counter attack up field and Hughes-Mason’s nicely weighted through-ball found Collin, who produced a fine dink over the goalkeeper.

The second half was not short of any drama, or action.

United came out stronger, but it was always Cray who looked more likely to increase their lead than it was for United to find an equaliser.

Collin’s corner went straight through the six yard box, but it was scrambled clear.

United had another chance to equalise when Bodkin’s hard work paid off with a good cross to Collin, who headed straight at Nick Blue.

Danny Hanyes almost grabbed a hatrick, and should’ve done when Luchford’s cross came right to him, but he kicked it wide.

Down the other end, Collin’s corner was headed away and Barry Cogan’s quick volley went straight at Blue.